Meet Dr. Kim, D.D.S.

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Patient Education

Would you not agree that the mouth is just as important as any other part of your body? Is it an easy part to ignore or forget about for you as well? For the most part your mouth is a well designed system which when functioning properly does not give us any problems. Did you know that most dental diseases do not hurt or cause problems until it is well advanced and by then causes your pain, time and money to fix? Therefore, be diligent in caring for your mouth, clean it and check it as you would any other part of your body.

The mouth serves several very important rolls such as nutrition, communication and appearance. The mouth and teeth are important to properly chew and aid in digesting our food so we can get adequate nutrition to the rest of our body. The mouth and teeth help us in our speech and smiling is a very important social function. Many times our smile is our first impression and how our teeth look and feel can affect our self esteem and confidence. Systemically, the health of our mouth can affect the rest of your body. Studies show that poor oral hygiene, infections can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke and other disease process. Maintaining optimal oral health is part of a healthy lifestyle to keep you looking and feeling well and younger throughout your life.

Most dental diseases are preventable, yet dental diseases continue to be a significant health issue. If there was a preventable disease that if not taken care of, would result in the only treatment being the amputation of your finger tips would that be acceptable?

Dentistry has made great strides in prevention and when needed in the restoration or replacement of teeth. Dentistry is constantly researching ways to deal with the bacteria that cause disease, ways to remineralize the teeth to reverse the damage done to teeth and ways to detect disease so they can be treated early and preserve the teeth. Dentistry has also made great advances in the restoration of teeth. The materials today are strong durable very aesthetic. With regular, preventative care teeth can last a life time.

Ask yourself, what can you do to prevent disease and care for your teeth?

Proper care. See your dentist early and regularly. You may vacuum your carpets daily, but you still need the professionally clean to remove stain, odor and ground in dirt. The same goes for your mouth. It is recommended that a child see the Dentist within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth. The Dentist can review health risks, do caries assessment, give tips on home care and monitor the development of the teeth. Properly maintained and aligned teeth make it easier to keep teeth and gums healthy. By bring in the child early and regularly chances are they will not be apprehensive or afraid when it is time for their first cleaning. Preventative services such as occlusal sealants and topical fluoride (and other remineralization products) when used properly and in the proper dose can prevent disease and keep teeth strong.
Appropriate nutrition. It is very important in the health of your teeth and gums. Today’s diet is high in processed food and drink. This means they are high in processed carbs and sugar. Many of the beverages we drink are also high in sugar and can be very acidic. This means that our diets promote decay. Have a balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables, avoid snacks high in sugar and carbs. Also avoid sodas and artificial juices. Sport drinks are also high in sugar and can also be acidic and damaging to teeth. Remember never sip a soda. You are constantly coating your teeth with sugar and acid (Diet Sodas are also very acidic) and your body never has a chance to remineralize your teeth making them weaker and decay prone. Studies show that our diet has become more acidic and that we are stripping the enamel off of our teeth at a rapid rate.
Suitable maintenance. Get regular check ups at least twice a year. Brush, floss and clean your tongue. Spend the time and be meticulous. The few extra minutes per day can save hours in the dental chair. Remember, bleeding is not normal. Your Dentist can give you specific oral hygiene instruction and recommendations on brushing, floss aids, rinses and other products to help keep your teeth healthy.
Accurate occlusion and alignment of teeth. Misaligned teeth can wear prematurely, cause muscle pain and temporal mandibular joint problems. They also are harder to clean and keep the gums healthy.
Proper safety. Custom fit athletic mouth guards can prevent many trauma related injuries and are appropriate for all sports.

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Patient Services

Bonding – a plastic material that will change the tooth’s shape or improve its appearance, or to help attach another material to the tooth

Cavity Repair – composite restorations using a tooth-colored filling material. Composites offer a stable and attractive alternative to amalgam fillings.

Crowns – new technology and materials offer more pleasing porcelain crowns that are durable and look like natural teeth.

Implants – are used in combination with bridges, dentures, and crowns to replace any number of missing teeth.

Periodontal Disease or Gum Disease – is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that clings to teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque create toxins that injure the gums and underlying bone. Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss.

Root Canals – when the nerve of the tooth has become infected or damaged due to decay or injury a root canal many need to be performed.

Veneers – a thin, custom-made shell crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. Veneers can correct any gaps, badly shaped or crooked teeth or badly stained teeth.

Whitening – chair-side whitening as well as custom-made bleaching trays to take home and whiten are available in our office.

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